B1680

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a communication loss or abnormal signal from the passenger airbag cutoff switch (PAD switch) — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a communication loss or abnormal signal from the passenger airbag cutoff switch (PAD switch).

Typically located on the right side of the center console or inside the glovebox, this switch manually controls the front passenger airbag activation/deactivation status (e.g., when installing a child safety seat).

The ECU triggers DTC B1680 if it fails to detect a valid resistance signal within a set cycle (normal operation uses different resistance values to distinguish ON/OFF positions, such as 2.2kΩ/4.7kΩ) or detects an open circuit (infinite resistance).

This fault causes: 1) the front passenger airbag status to enter an unknown mode, where the system may default to disabling the airbag to prevent unintended deployment, reducing crash protection; 2) the instrument panel airbag warning light to illuminate continuously; 3) some models to record abnormal crash event readiness data, affecting accident liability determination.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Switch connector loose or disconnected: Commonly occurs after removing or installing the dashboard, replacing the cabin air filter, repairing the center console, or retrofitting a large display. This happens when technicians fail to securely reconnect the PAD switch plug, or a broken locking tab causes a poor connection.
  • 2PAD switch assembly internal fault: Internal carbon film resistor wear, contact oxidation or sulfidation, or spring plate fatigue causes output resistance to fall outside the ECU recognition range (typically ±5% tolerance), especially on vehicles operating in high-humidity areas.
  • 3Wiring harness open or short circuit: Sharp frame edges wear the internal dashboard wiring harness, rodents chew it, or accident repairs crush it, causing the signal wire (usually the yellow harness) to open or short to ground.
  • 4Mechanical binding at the switch mounting location: The switch fails to clip fully into the mounting base, preventing the internal sliding contact from seating properly, or a deformed mounting base tilts the switch, causing poor connector contact.
  • 5SRS ECU sampling circuit fault: Damaged ECU internal pull-up resistor or A/D converter causing the ECU to misjudge the switch open-circuit status, or lost software calibration data (less common, usually accompanied by other SRS fault codes).
  • 1
    Diagnostic tool deep scan: Use VDS2000 or a dedicated BYD diagnostic tool to read B1680 freeze frame data. Confirm the fault frequency (intermittent/continuous), ambient temperature, and voltage at the time of occurrence. Check for accompanying SRS communication fault codes.
  • 2
    Physical connection check: Locate the PAD switch (Song MAX/Yuan EV: usually right side of glovebox; Tang/Qin: right side of center console). Visually check the connector is fully inserted, confirm the locking mechanism (CPA lock) is intact, and gently pull the wiring harness to confirm it is secure.
  • 3
    Wiring harness and terminal inspection: Disconnect the battery negative terminal. Wait at least 90 seconds to discharge system capacitors (prevents accidental airbag deployment). Unplug the switch connector. Inspect terminals for oxidation, backing out, or enlarged sockets. Treat with electrical contact cleaner. Inspect the wiring harness outer sheath for signs of abrasion.
  • 4
    Switch function test: Remove the switch and use a multimeter to measure the resistance in the ON and OFF positions. Compare the readings with the repair manual specifications (typically 2.0-2.5 kΩ in the ON position and 4.5-5.0 kΩ in the OFF position, tolerance ±5%). Verify the switch operating torque is normal and check for binding.
  • 5
    Circuit continuity and insulation test: Use a multimeter to measure signal wire continuity (resistance <1Ω) between the switch connector and the SRS ECU connector (usually located under the center console or floor center). Measure insulation to ground and power (>10MΩ). Inspect the instrument panel frame for interference points.
  • 6
    ECU and Calibration Verification: If wiring and switch are normal, check the SRS ECU software version (some pre-2020 models require an upgrade). Verify the correct front passenger airbag status in the vehicle configuration code (VIN configuration). If necessary, replace the ECU and perform online programming.
  • 7
    System verification and testing: After restoring connections, turn the ignition switch to ON and confirm the instrument cluster airbag warning light turns off after the self-check (approximately 6 seconds). Use the diagnostic tool to read the data stream. Operate the switch and verify the 'Passenger Airbag Cutoff Switch' status toggles between 'Enabled/Disabled'. Finally, perform the SRS system cycle test.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Forgot to reconnect PAD switch connector after dashboard removal and refitting on Song MAX.

A 2019 Song MAX with 32,000 km. The customer reported the airbag warning light staying on constantly. Service history showed a non-authorised workshop had replaced the AC evaporator core one week earlier. The diagnostic tool retrieved current DTC B1680 with no other accompanying faults. Removing the glovebox revealed the PAD switch connector completely detached — the technician had missed this connection during instrument panel reassembly. Reconnected the plug and confirmed the CPA lock was engaged. Cleared the fault codes, and the airbag light went out. The data stream showed the switch status changing normally when operated.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal oxidation of the switch caused intermittent fault on Yuan EV

2020 Yuan EV535 with 50,000 km. Intermittent airbag warning light; DTC B1680 alternated between history and current codes. Inspected the switch connector—found it secure—but the switch resistance drifted (standard ON resistance should be 2.4 kΩ, but it fluctuated between 1.2–3.8 kΩ and was unstable). Disassembled the switch and found the internal carbon film contacts oxidised due to humidity. Replaced the passenger airbag switch (part number: KZ-5820100) and monitored continuously for a week. The fault did not recur, and the resistance remained stable within the standard range.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Hidden open circuit in Tang DM wiring harness after accident repair

2021 Tang DM. After right-front collision repairs, the instrument cluster displayed an airbag fault. Read DTCs B1680 and B167E (right rear side impact sensor communication error). Inspection found the passenger-side A-pillar harness crushed in the accident. The PAD switch signal wire (yellow, Pin 2) had a 'hidden break' — internal copper strand fracture with intact insulation — causing an intermittent connection. Stripped and re-soldered the broken wire, reinforced the insulation with heat-shrink tubing, and rerouted the harness away from the body frame. This resolved the fault, and both DTCs disappeared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Switch not fully seated on Qin Pro petrol variant, causing poor contact.

2020 Qin Pro. Customer bought a large-screen nav unit online, removed and refitted the centre console themselves, after which the instrument cluster showed an airbag fault. Scanned and found DTC B1680. On inspection, the PAD switch had been fitted backwards and not fully pushed into its mounting hole, preventing the connector from fully mating — only one side of the pins was making contact. Reoriented the switch correctly, clicked the retaining clip fully home (audible click), and pushed the connector in to full insertion depth (secondary locking click heard). Cleared the DTC; it did not return. Advised the customer to leave all airbag system work to a qualified professional.
Data confidence: Official This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.